Little chance of zero-virus policy, says economist

A ZERO Covid all-ireland policy is not possible due to political differences between the two administrations on the island, a Dublin committee has heard.

Chief economist at the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) Dan O’brien told the Oireachtas Special Committee on Covid-19 that the chances of coronavirus being eliminated on theislandislow.

The committee discussed the implications of a Zero-covid island policy, which has been supported by a group of scientists and academics.

The Republic has a ‘green list’ of countries that people can travel from without the need to quarantine for two weeks, but the list does not include Great Britain.

Mr O’brien said: “I think the chances of the success of a zero-covid island policy is very low and that is because there is two jurisdictions on this island.

“In the northern jurisdiction, there seems to be very little probability of the devolved government there agreeing to sealing off travel with Britain.

“It does not seem to be achievable politically or otherwise.”

The committee also heard Meat Industry Ireland chairman Philip Carroll defended the industry’s handling of coronavirus outbreaks.

It comes after travel restrictions were reimposed in counties Laois, Offaly and Kildare last week following outbreaks at meat processing plants.

He defended conditions at meat plants and said outbreaks do not originate in plants.

“Clusters don’t start in meat processing plants — Covid is introduced into meat plants but because they are a location where a lot of people work, there is a degree of certainty that there will be a formation of clusters,” he said.

Mr Carroll said that only “about 20% of the workforce is covered by sick pay”.

Siptu divisional organiser Greg Ennis told the committee that workers “remain petrified of contracting the disease but feel that they must walk that tightrope and in many cases walk that tightrope even if they are unwell.” He added: “It is notable that circa 90% of workers within the industry do not have sick pay, forcing vulnerable workers who may have Covid-19 symptoms to go into work.”